Training Device for Motorized Board

ABSTRACT

A training device for a motorized board comprising an elongated board that can have a top surface and a bottom surface with opposing end sections having a first plane and a second plane wherein the first plane is substantially longer than the second plane. The board can have a thickness that can extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface can have a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section and the third section can be substantially the same shape and the second section can be substantially larger than the first and third sections, wherein the second section can be the size of a wheel. The bottom surface can have a pivot pad wherein the pivot pad can have a thickness that extends vertically from the bottom surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/172,859 titled “Training Device for Motorized Board”and having a filing date of Apr. 9, 2021, all of which is incorporatedby reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to sports training equipment andexercise devices, more particularly to a training apparatus for amotorized board.

BACKGROUND

Various types of training apparatuses exist for sporting equipment andmotorized boards. These type of devices are used to assist a user inlearning the proper posture, techniques, and movements involved on theboard. Oneboarders (Onewheelers), skateboarders and snowboarders want tobe able to practice their skills in a safe, controlled environmentrelevant to their particular board when conditions make it not practicalto practice outside. This allows the user to deverlop muscles, learntechnuques and movements with less danger of injury to the user and tothe device. In general such devices comprise a board on which the usermay stand, wherein the board is supported by a rolling element or a ballelement of some form. The mounting of the rolling or ball element allowsthe board to freely slide in one direction or another making it hard forthe user to actually train and attempt tricks on the board.

Training and balance boards exist for surfing, skateboarding, yoga, andskiing, but there is not a board that assists a user in learning amotorized board, such as a Onewheel.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,943 shows a balance board that is hourglass shapedwith a rolling cylendar underneath. This design does not accuratelysimulate the balance required for a motorized board, such as a Onewheel,nor does it allow for a user to practice movements required for tricks.

U.S. 2017/0095696 shows a balance and spin practice board comprising arectangular board with a ball placed in the center of the board in amanner such that the board surrounds the center of the ball with half ofthe ball protruding above the board, and the other half of the ballprotruding under the board. There are additionally two smaller halfballs placed at the ends of the board. This design does not accuratelysimulate the balance required for a motorized board, such as a Onewheel.

It would be advantageous to have a board that mimics the dimensions of amotorized board, specifically a Onewheel °, with a flat compressiblematerial that simulaties the onewheel for ease in gaining skillsrequired to use a Onewheel®.

SUMMARY

A training device for a motorized board comprising an elongated boardthat can have a top surface and a bottom surface with opposing endsections having a first plane and a second plane wherein the first planeis substantially longer than the second plane. The board can have athickness that can extend between the top surface and the bottomsurface. The top surface can have a first section, a second section anda third section. The first section and the third section can besubstantially the same shape and the second section can be substantiallylarger than the first and third sections, wherein the second section canbe the size of a wheel. The bottom surface can have a pivot pad whereinthe pivot pad can have a thickness that extends vertically from thebottom surface and can be substantially centered on the bottom surface.

A first pad and a second pad can be located on the first section and thethird section wherein the first pad and the second pad can have athickness and a traction element. The bottom surface can have at leastone radiused section located on the opposing end sections. The board issubstantially rectangular and the first pad and second pad can besubstantially rectangular. The board can have opposing ends withradiused sections on the bottom surface. The board can be made ofpopular wood and the pad can be made of EVA foam. The top surface of theboard can have one or more ideal foot placement markings. The topsurface of the board can have one or more accessories attached thereonwherein the accessory is a fender or in the shape of a wheel top.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, andaccustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographersif desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers,to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specificationand claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further,expressly set forth the. Absent such clear statements of intent to applya “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that thesimple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to theinterpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . ., without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or actin support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “meansfor performing the function of molding a . . . , step for performing thefunction of molding . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure,material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform therecited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not toinvoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimedinventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only tothe specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of the illustrative embodimentexemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presentlyperceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentspecification will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a training device for a motorized board inaccordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a training device for a motorized board inaccordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a training device for a motorized board inaccordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a training device for a motorized board inaccordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a exploded isometric view of a training device for a motorizedboard in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of a training device for a motorizedboard in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of a training device for a motorizedboard in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a training device for amotorized board in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 9 is the side view of yet another embodiment of the training devicefor a motorized board in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will beunderstood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussedmore generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases,a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implementthe various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation isto be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are manydifferent and alternative configurations, devices and technologies towhich the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of theinventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, training device 10 for a motorized boardcomprising an elongated board 12 having a top surface 14 and a bottomsurface 16 and opposing end sections 18 wherein the board can have afirst plane and a second plane wherein the first plane is substantiallylonger than the second plane creating a substantially rectangular shapedboard. The board 12 can have a thickness 20 that extends between the topsurface 14 and the bottom surface 16 wherein the thickness can be suchas, for example, between 0.5 inch and 5 inch, more preferably between 1inch and 3 inch, and still more preferably approximately 1.75 inch orthe like. The board 12 can be generally rectangular, but in otherembodiments the board 12 can be such as circular, hexagonal, triangular,square, and the like. The board 12 can be manufactured from such as, forexample, wood such as poplar wood, metals, plastics, or the like.

The top surface 14 can have a first section 22, a second section 24 anda third section 26 wherein the first section and the third section canbe the substantially the same size and shape and second section can besubstantially larger than the first section and the third section. Incertain embodiments, the first section 22 and the third section 26 canbe substantially larger than the second section 24. In certainembodiments, the first section 22 and the third section 26 can have anoutline of a footprint for allowing the user to see proper footplacement on the board 12. The third section 26 can have a center point40 such as a sticker, marking, or the like, wherein the center point canbe a reference for the user to know where the center pivot point islocated.

The bottom surface 16 can have a pivot pad 28 attached to it wherein thepivot pad can have a thickness and can be substantially centered on thebottom surface. The pivot pad 28 can be made from such as, for example,high density foam, polyurethane foam, neoprene foam, closed cell foam,rebond foam, or the like. The pivot pad 28 can be such as, for example,between 0.5 inch and 5 inch thick, more preferably between 1 inch and 3inch thick, and still more preferably approximately 1.5 inch thick orthe like. The pivot pad 28 can be attached to the bottom surface by suchas, for example, adhesive, fasteners, hook and eye closures, rubberbands, magnets or the like. The pivot pad 28 can be the same size andshape as a wheel that is on a motorized board that has one wheel in themiddle of the board thus mimicking the feel of riding the motorizedboard. In certain embodiments, there can be more than one pivot pad 28on the bottom surface 16 located in the center of the board or outtowards the opposing ends 18 mimicing one or more wheels on the board.

The first section 22 and the third section 26 can have a first pad 30and a second pad 32 attached to the top surface 14 wherein the first padand the second pad are substantially the same size and shape. The firstpad 30 and the second pad 32 can have a thickness that extendsvertically from the top surface 14 of the board 12. The first pad 30 andthe second pad 32 can be attached to the top surface 14 by such as, forexample, adhesives, fasteners, hook and eye closures, magnets or thelike and can be manufactured from such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate foam,copolymer foam, polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene, grip tape,rubber, or the like. The first pad 30 and the second pad 32 can be inthe shape of such as, rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, or thelike. The first pad 30 and the second pad 32 can have a thickness ofsuch as, for example, between 0.025 inch and 2 inch thick, morepreferably between 0.125 inch and 1 inch thick, and still morepreferably approximately 0.25 inch thick or the like. The first pad 30and the second pad 32 can further comprise a plurality of tractionelements 34 wherein the traction elements can provide traction betweenthe users shoes and the first pad and the second pad. The tractionelement 34 can be such as, a diamond shape, hexagonal shape, circularshape, square shape, or any suitable shape to allow the user's shoes orfeet to grip the first pad 30 and the second pad 32. In certainembodiments, the first pad 30 and the second pad 32 can extend acrossthe top surface 14 and can be one or more pads and in other embodimentsthe first pad and second pad can be omitted from the top surface.

The bottom surface 16 can compsire at least one radiused section 36 onthe opposing ends 18 wherein the radiused sections can be flat, beveled,¼ radius, ½ bullnose, ogee, full bullnose, ogee bullnose, cove, knife,dupont, cove ogee, or the like. The radiused sections 36 allow for theuser to use the board like the actual motorized board having one wheelwherein the user can balance on the board 12 on the pivot pad 28 and canlean forward, backwards, and side to side thus mimicking a motorizedboard. The bottom surface can further comprise a slot 38 wherein theslot can allow the user to easily carry the training device 10 fromplace to place. The slot 28 can be such as, for example, a slot,multiple holes, an extruded cut, or the like. In certain embodiments theslot 28 can be omitted from the bottom surface 16.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, in certain embodiments the top surface 14 of theboard 12 can have one or more markings, pictures, or other graphics. Thegraphics can be ornamental or instructional. Some examples of ornamentalgraphics are sports figure, brand logos, team logos, and the like. Someexamples of instructional graphics are foot areas, centerline markings,ideal foot placement markings, ideal place for the pad of the foot, andcenter of the board. The top surface 12 of the board 10 can have one ormore accessories 50 mounted on it wherein the accessory can be in theshape of a wheel 52, hub or the like. The accessories 50 can be helpfulin personalizing and/or customizing the device. They can also be usefulin helping the device more closely mimic a motorized board, such as aOnewheel®. The accessory 50 can be a fender, a partial outline of awheel, or a wheel covering positioned near the first pad 30 and thesecond pad 32 thus mimicking the wheel that protrudes from the topsurface of the motorized board. The accessory can be secured to the topsurface 14 of the board 12 by any appropriate securing means bothpermanent and removable, such as, adhesive, hook and eye closures,rubber bands, screws, rivots, magnets, and the like. A accessory 50 canbe one piece as shown in FIG. 8, or in more than one piece as shown inFIG. 9.

It is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particularmethodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such,various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of thedisclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims.Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited tothose precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode knownto the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices describedherein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described embodiments in all possiblevariations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device for a motorized boardcomprising: an elongated board having a top surface and a bottom surfaceand opposing end sections having a first axis and a second axis whereinthe first axis is substantially longer than the second axis; the boardhaving a thickness that extends between the top surface and the bottomsurface; the top surface having a first section, a second section and athird section wherein the first section and the third section aresubstantially the same shape and second section can substantially largerthan the first and third sections; the bottom surface having a pivot padattached to it wherein the pivot pad has a thickness and issubstantially centered on the bottom surface; a first pad and a secondpad located and attached to the first section and the third sectionwherein the first pad and the second pad have a thickness and a tractionelement; and at least one radiused section on the bottom surface on theopposing ends sections.
 2. The training device of claim 1 wherein theboard is substantially rectangular.
 3. The training device of claim 1wherein the pad is substantially rectangular.
 4. The training device ofclaim 1 wherein the opposing end sections have a radiused section on thebottom surface.
 5. The training device of claim 1 wherein the board ismade of popular wood.
 6. The training device of claim 1 wherein the padis made of EVA foam.
 7. The training device of claim 1 wherein the topsurface of the board has a one or more ideal foot placement markings. 8.The training device of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the board hasone or more accessories attached thereon.
 9. The training device ofclaim 8 wherein the accessory is a fender.
 10. The training device ofclaim 8 wherein the accessory is in the shape of a wheel top.